England overcome Spain in Sydney 7s opener

England Sevens opened their HSBC World Rugby Sevens series in Sydney with a 22-10 win over Spain in Pool C.

It was the only fixture on day one of the three-day event for the side who will now face Papua New Guinea and South Africa on day two.

Davis delight

England had to defend in the opening couple of minutes, but once they got their hands on the ball Alex Davis hit an excellent support line to cross on his first appearance of the World Series this season after his injury.

His second followed shortly after England worked the ball from the right to left wing, and then he set up Tom Mitchell as England got a third, before Pablo Fontes crossed for Spain just before the break.

Ruaridh McConnochie's first involvement in the game was a dummy switch and sprint down the touchline for England's fourth and despite some big hitting defence from Simon Amor's side, Spain got over for a second consolation.

"It was a different sort of challenge this year with just the one game on the Friday," said captain Tom Mitchell. " That was OK but there is a lot we can work on."